Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer Torres Vocabulary list, Chapters 26-36

to accept the terms of

“If that happened at my shop, the health inspectors would be all over me. These trucks need to abide by the same rules as the rest of us!”

a physical desire for food

She’s not eating, either, and I don’t have much of an appetite myself.

to go with and supervise a group of young people : act as a chaperone

The teachers who came to chaperone are huddled up, shaking their heads and shrugging their shoulders.

anxious, worried

“Mayor Barnhart, I am presenting these proposals at the request of some concerned citizens who are worried about health and safety risks associated associated with the growing number of food trucks in our community..."

a great disaster or complete failure

“No, wait.” Panting, I try to explain the dance debacle as quickly as I can.

a discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something

"...I’d like to open this up to public debate.”

to begin doing something (such as shouting or applauding)

After Mayor Barnhart hammers down her gavel one last time to close the meeting, the audience really erupts, cheering and shaking hands.

to move or work in a quick and energetic way

Mami meets us at the door and hustles us into the kitchen, where dinner is already prepared “Siéntense and eat up,” she says.

a person who pretends to be someone else, especially : a person who entertains people by pretending to be another person

“Well, what about an impersonator, then?”

to become involved in something (such as a conflict) in order to have an influence on what happens

I cringe, and Papi intervenes.

objects or materials that are collected because they are related to a particular event, person, etc. : things collected as souvenirs

Arthur asks for the autographed photo to keep as part of his pop music memorabilia collection.

for a short time : for a moment

Mami stares at me, momentarily shocked.

unable to understand something clearly or to think clearly

I’m perplexed to see the pickup in the parking lot instead of Tía Perla that afternoon.

the act of moving up in position or rank

Papi talks nonstop through dinner—about the dance, about his plans for the garden, about Mami’s promotion.

to think carefully about (someone or something) again especially in order to change a choice or decision you have already made

“...So I hope you’ll reconsider. Because even though Tía Perla isn’t really my aunt, she is sort of like family.”

to give back money that someone paid for something (such as a product that was returned or a service that was not acceptable)

The teachers have started refunding everyone’s admission.

feeling relaxed and happy because something difficult or unpleasant has been stopped, avoided, or made easier : feeling relief

I don’t know if I’m offended or relieved.

an act of politely or formally asking for something

“Mayor Barnhart, I am presenting these proposals at the request of some concerned citizens who are worried about health and safety risks associated associated with the growing number of food trucks in our community..."

leaving no doubt : very definite

“Congratulations. It’s sounding as if this project is going to be a resounding success.”

to change direction suddenly especially to avoid hitting someone or something

Parents honk and swerve around me, but for a moment, I can’t move.

arriving or doing something late

Mami drops me off at school with a note excusing my tardiness, and after checking in at the office, I walk down the long, empty hallway to Ms. Barlow’s classroom, pausing at the door.

to beat forcefully

My heart thumps in my ears, and my palms begin to sweat as I hold the envelope in both hands, suddenly unsure if I should open it.

to make (someone's hair) untidy

She tousles my hair and, kissing my forehead, says, “M’ija, I am so proud.

agreed to by all

“I see no reason why mobile food vendors shouldn’t keep their trucks clean and well maintained. It’s unanimous.”